The publication said that American Apparel CEO Dov Charney lined up the investment from the Swiss firm, which purchased about half the company's shares in a stock offering, last month. It now holds a nearly 13 percent stake in the company, making it the retailer's biggest outside investor.

American Apparel is facing a $13.4 million interest payment that comes due in April.

According to Bloomberg, the retailer has compiled net losses of about $270 million since the start of 2010.